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Friday, September 21, 2012

We are lucky to have several new food establishments
at The Longmeadow Shops. Since Max
Burger and Peachwave opened over the summer, there have been many more cars in
the parking lot. I have never seen it so full! The place is especially crowded
on Thursdays when the Farmer’s Market is open near the old Friendly’s location.
The shopping area was designed long ago and it is not easy to maneuver trucks
and SUVs into and out of the tight spots.
It is obviously tricky in front of Starbucks, as people get dropped off
to go inside for a quick drink.

On a recent sunny September day, we sat at a table
outside The Semolina Bread Company, enjoying a delicious lunch. As we ate our wrap sandwiches, we noticed the
increased congestion right away. We
counted several Connecticut cars parked near us. I always thought the parking area was
awkwardly designed; and we witnessed some bizarre traffic patterns. Some cars were making U-turns to find
spots. Bad parking jobs were pretty
typical, with people sitting in handicapped spots or double-parking near
CVS. The time has come to re-design the
placement of the parking spots. It is
especially complicated near the entrance to Max Burger where people drive close
to the sidewalk and outdoor patio. A
speeding car could be dangerous and perhaps we need a deeper pedestrian
sidewalk.

It’s almost impossible for the elderly to get into
and out of the shopping area as they walk to their cars. I also noticed people glued to cell phones
and texting while walking in the lot; oblivious to the cars passing around
them. Drivers can become more aware as
they enter and exit Longmeadow’s prime shopping destination, and we all can avoid
talking on our phones as we park. Remember, these new restaurants are bringing
in much needed business and the parking will only get worse when the winter
snow piles accumulate.

Let’s welcome the
changes in traffic flow and keep the place safe at the same time! I hope the
management can place traffic signs within the parking area to guide the flow of
vehicles, walkers and bikers.

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